Step 10: Clean up any over-stain

Step 11: Clean up!

Time to tidy up! This was my hand before I was even done with the first coat. I didn't mind (though I thought the ring line was rather funny) - but yo...

Step 2: Make your stain

For my stain I knew I wanted to go reddish. I ran half a bag of cranberries, 5 beets of varying sizes, and the arils of 1 pomegranate through my juicer. I did not get much juice from the cranberries (though that could be because they were a bit old). This yielded me roughly 26 - 28 ounces of juice once I skimmed off the foam.

You can use a variety of fruit and/or veggie combos to get different shades of greens, reds, purples, probably oranges .... feel free to experiment!

I have read you can cut up vegetables and simmer them for 4 hours or so (adding water as necessary) and strain that off to create a stain as well. I think directly juicing would give you a darker stain but either way should be fine.

I did 3 generous coats on my entire table and a 4th coat on half of it. My table, with leaves in, is approximately 7 feet by 3.5 feet. I used 12 or ounces including any spills and what was left in the foam brush when I was done.

I would advise making more than you think you need, because this will be a completely custom color for you and running out part way through would be sad!

About This Instructable

Bio:I am married to my high school sweetheart. We recently welcomed our first child, a beautiful little girl. I love to cook and explore ways to make familiar recipes my own. I also love tweaking my space...read more »